Another year goes by and Mayo's heartbreak goes on. The 'curse' rolls into its 66th year.

Across the country, there was tremendous sympathy for Mayo after their latest All-Ireland final disappointment on Saturday night. Missed opportunities, team selection, tactics and refereeing will be debated long into the winter in public houses from Belmullet to Ballyhaunis and Ballycastle to Ballinrobe.

Let's remember, though, a fortnight ago Mayo were given no hope against what was regarded as the finest Dublin team of all time. Yet they were considered unlucky to only draw the first game and then lose the replay by a solitary point. A performance for their fans to be proud of.

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